Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine post-operative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers look after animals in laboratories, animal hospitals, and clinics. They care for the animals by performing routine tasks under the supervision of scientists, veterinarians, and veterinary technologists and technicians.

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work mainly in clinics, animal hospitals, and research laboratories. Their work may be physically and emotionally demanding.

Most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers have a high school diploma and learn the occupation on the job.

The median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $24,360 in May 2015.

Employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. In addition to fast employment growth, high occupational turnover should result in very good job opportunities.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers with similar occupations.

Learn more about veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.